Anti-Heroes with Zach Blair

Zach Blair
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Anti-Heroes with Zach Blair is a podcast about guitar players that aren't on the covers of the guitar magazines but our host, Zach Blair thinks they should be. Each episode we'll have discussions with players about their motivations, intentions and, best of all, their gear. We'll talk about their careers and how they express themselves in the constantly changing world of guitar music. Anti-Heroes is hosted by Zach Blair, a lifelong guitar obsessive with a career spanning almost thirty years. From his early days in Hagfish that he started with his brother on to the world renowned shock rock musical theater that is GWAR to currently recording and touring in Chicago's Rise Against for the last 15 years. Zach is still searching when it's comes to guitar playing and always will be. Maybe he'll find some answers right here on Anti-Heroes.

  1. AL DI MEOLA

    1D AGO

    AL DI MEOLA

    For my first episode of the season I get the privilege of chatting with the guitar TITAN that is Al Di Meola! I still can't believe I got to meet the man much less interview him. Al reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on musicians, the importance of protest concerts, and his journey as a guitarist and composer. He discusses how the pandemic allowed him to delve deeper into his creative process, the unprecedented fear of not being able to tour again, and the significance of using music as a platform for social issues. Di Meola also shares insights into his evolution as a musician, emphasizing the shift from technical speed to the importance of composition and artistic expression. In this engaging conversation, Al Di Meola reflects on his journey as a musician, sharing insights from his early performances at Carnegie Hall to his evolution in musical style. He discusses the challenges modern guitarists face, the importance of legacy, and how music can serve as a powerful voice for change. Al also navigates personal relationships shaped by differing beliefs and shares his experiences with musical gear, revealing a deep connection to his craft. This episode was an absolute honor. AL Di Meolo Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars Ep sponsored by Kingston Union. Your go to for the original Wino shoe. Mentioned in this episode: Dunlop Schecter Guitars

    1h 8m
  2. Welcome to Season 8!

    APR 16

    Welcome to Season 8!

    Welcome to season 8, we have some exciting guests…Al Di MEOLA, John Congleton, Mike Sheinbaum from Darkest Hour and much more. First ep April 23rd! Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars Mentioned in this episode: Dunlop Schecter Guitars

    2 min
  3. Special Announcement! Introducing Why Bass?!!! A new podcast with Donnie Blair

    FEB 25

    Special Announcement! Introducing Why Bass?!!! A new podcast with Donnie Blair

    Ruinous Media and The Anti-Heroes podcast would like to welcome Why Bass? Why Bass? Is a podcast that shifts the focus from a bass players history and curriculum vitae to that age old question - why would anyone want to play the bass guitar? Donivan Blair asks this question with bassist’s of all styles and ranges on each episode and allows the guest to tell the audience in their own words who inspired them, why they chose the instrument and their gear of choice. ‘Why Bass?’ Is hosted by Donivan Blair who does not understand why anyone needs more than four strings and has been obsessed with the bass guitar since 1985. He started the punk band Hagfish with brother Zach in 1991, left their hometown of Sherman, TX and never looked back. Touring the world with Only Crime and Armstrong led him to joining the Toadies in 2008. Donivan knows why he plays the bass but is curious to find out why others have decided to follow this particular yellow brick road. Please visit out sponsors Jim Dunlop Schecter Guitars Mentioned in this episode: Dunlop Schecter Guitars

    3 min

  4. 09/11/2025 ·  BONUS

    A Message From Zach

    Hello! Zach here with a wrap on season 7. I still can’t believe I’ve been able to sit down with friends, family and strangers and chat about the thing I love most.... guitars, gear and music! Music has benefitted my life in countless ways and you, the listeners, have supported me on this journey. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I also send this season off by re-introducing myself and letting you know where I stand outside of the music world. Thank you! Until next season! Rise Against Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠ Mentioned in this episode: Schecter Guitars Dunlop

    8 min
  5. DAN PHILLIPS-TRUE WIDOW

    09/04/2025

    DAN PHILLIPS-TRUE WIDOW

    Today Zach talks with Dan Phillips, guitarist, and singer of True Widow and previously Slow Ride.  Zach and discuss their shared musical history and the evolution of their respective bands. They talk early influences, the creative process behind their music, and the significance of their collaborative experiences in Dallas. Dan highlights the importance of musical experimentation and the personal connections that has shaped his art. They discuss the nuances of musicianship, the formation of new bands, and the importance of finding one's unique voice in music. They celebrate the joy of imperfection in live performances, the future of True Widow, and the gear that defines Dan’s sound. This one is special as Dan is one of Zach’s oldest friends and a huge influence on him him and his career. TRUE WIDOW Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠ Mentioned in this episode: Dunlop Schecter Guitars

    45 min
  6. DONNIE WALSH-GRUMPSTER

    08/21/2025

    DONNIE WALSH-GRUMPSTER

    Today’s guest is Donnie Walsh, bassist and singer of bay area punkers, Grumpster.  Zach and Donnie discuss the origin of Grumpster and the musical influences that shaped their sound. They delve into the importance of community in music, share insights about their gear preferences, and reflect on the hard work that goes into being a touring musician. The two discuss the balance between the romanticized view of rock stardom and the gritty reality of life on the road, including the challenges of touring, chasing technology, and the joys of live performance. The two celebrate the camaraderie in their music community and the value in connecting with their audiences.  Notable mention: this is the first episode Anti-Heroes recorded in a moving van! Grumpster Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠ Mentioned in this episode: Dunlop Schecter Guitars

    37 min
  7. JOE PRINCIPE-RISE AGAINST

    08/07/2025

    JOE PRINCIPE-RISE AGAINST

    Today is another “family time” episode here at the ol’ Anti-Heroes podcast! My is guest is Joe Principe, bassist of Rise Against and formerly of 88 Fingers Louie. I’ve seen the world with this guy and have had countless adventures and played countless shows and recorded countless songs together! These episodes are always near and dear to me and I think you’ll hear that. I also had to pretend that I didn't know all the answers to my questions ahead of time! We talk about his early days discovering music and specifically punk rock and early influences. We get into how to find your own voice on your instrument and the constant pursuit of tone (which were both still doing) and much,much more! We also get to talk about our new album, Ricochet, which will be out August 15th! I’ve been meaning to have Joe on since the early days of this podcast and even though we basically live together we’ve never made it happen so this one is very special!  RISE AGAINST Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠ Mentioned in this episode: Dunlop Schecter Guitars

    55 min
  8. MIKE DELEON-SOULFLY-FLESH HOARDER-PHIL ANSELMO&THE ILLEGALS

    07/24/2025

    MIKE DELEON-SOULFLY-FLESH HOARDER-PHIL ANSELMO&THE ILLEGALS

    On this episode Zach interviews Mike DeLeon, a guitarist from Texas, known for his work with Phil Anselmo, Flesh Hoarder and Soulfly. Zach and Mike dig into the rich history of Texas metal, the influence of local musicians, and the importance of authenticity in their playing. Mike shares his gear choices, his experiences playing with legendary artists, and the significance of his Texas roots in shaping his musical identity. Their conversation shows the bond among Texas musicians and the collaborative spirit within the metal community. Flesh Hoarder Soul Fly Phil Anselmo and the Illegals Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Better Help. Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠ Mentioned in this episode: Schecter Guitars Dunlop

    55 min
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4.8
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Anti-Heroes with Zach Blair is a podcast about guitar players that aren't on the covers of the guitar magazines but our host, Zach Blair thinks they should be. Each episode we'll have discussions with players about their motivations, intentions and, best of all, their gear. We'll talk about their careers and how they express themselves in the constantly changing world of guitar music. Anti-Heroes is hosted by Zach Blair, a lifelong guitar obsessive with a career spanning almost thirty years. From his early days in Hagfish that he started with his brother on to the world renowned shock rock musical theater that is GWAR to currently recording and touring in Chicago's Rise Against for the last 15 years. Zach is still searching when it's comes to guitar playing and always will be. Maybe he'll find some answers right here on Anti-Heroes.

Information

  • Creator
    Zach Blair
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Anti-Heroes with Zach Blair
  • Show Website
    Anti-Heroes with Zach Blair

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